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Youmacon
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| Youmacon | |
|---|---|
| Status | Active |
| Genre | Anime, manga, video games, and internet culture[1][2] |
| Venue | Huntington Place[3] |
| Location | Detroit, Michigan |
| Country | United States |
| Inaugurated | 2005 |
| Attendance | 22,142 in 2017[4] |
| Organized by | Defying Conventions / Youmacon Enterprises[5] |
| Website | www |
Youmacon is an annual four-day anime convention held during November at Huntington Place in Detroit, Michigan, United States.[3] Youmacon's creation was inspired by other conventions including Anime Central and Ohayocon, with the convention's name coming from the Japanese word for demon or ghost.[1][6] Founded by Morgan Kollin in 2005, it is the largest anime/gaming convention in Michigan.[7][8] Midwest Media Expo was the convention's sister event.[9]
Programming
[edit]The convention typically offers anime music videos, Artist Alley, Charity Masquerade Ball, concerts, costume competitions, Dealers Room, gaming tournaments, karaoke, Live Action Mario Party and Donkey Kong, live musical performances, maid café, masquerade, Mystery Science Theater 4000, rave, table-top gaming, talent competitions, and video gaming.[1][2][10][11][12][13]
The convention runs programming for 24 hours a day in Huntington Place.[2][12][14] The walk between the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center and Huntington Place is about 15 minutes.[15] The conventions 2013 Cosplay Ball benefited the Detroit Institute of Arts.[1] In 2009, 2010, and 2014, it benefited the Cornerstone Schools of Detroit.[2][6][10][16] The 2017 masquerade ball benefited the Children's Hospital of Michigan.[17] The 2019 masquerade ball benefited the Children's Hospital of Michigan.[18]
History
[edit]The first Youmacon took four years to plan.[8] In 2010, Cobo Center started a $279 million renovation that finished in 2015.[19][20] The 2012 convention had several complaints including the distance between venues (15 minutes) and registration line times.[15] Youmacon is one of the larger users of the Marriott, and the only event to have all of its meeting space and 1,300 hotel rooms occupied as of 2014.[6][8][21] The Renaissance Center prohibited attendees from carrying fake weapons and wearing masks that would hide their faces in 2014.[22] Origa was unable to enter the United States from Canada for her 2014 Youmacon appearance due to not having a P visa.[23] In 2016, the maid café expanded to two days, the Renaissance Center had construction occurring, and panel rooms in the Cobo Center were challenging to locate.[24][25] Thursdays programming in 2017 did not require registration.[26] The convention improved elevator lines and game room wait times, but the physical schedule copy suffered from errors in 2017.[27]
Youmacon's in person 2020 convention was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with an online convention held in its place.[28][29] Its cancellation was delayed due to contractual issues regarding COVID-19 shutdowns.[30][31][32][33] In 2021, the People Mover between event venues was not available, with the convention offering transportation for specific attendees with needs.[34] The convention was only held at Huntington Place in 2023 and admission was free on Thursday.[3] In 2025, Youmacon added a kids corner, and tabletop gaming received an expansion.[35]
Event history
[edit]| Dates | Location | Atten. | Guests |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 11–13, 2005 | Hilton Detroit/Troy Troy, Michigan | 1,078[36] | David Anez, Johnny Yong Bosch, Emily DeJesus, Robert DeJesus, Eyeshine, Caitlin Glass, Bruce Kalish, Yuri Lowenthal, Monica May, Vic Mignogna, Tara Platt, Alycia Purrott, Kristine Sa, The Spoony Bards, and Chris Violette.[36] |
| November 3–5, 2006 | Hilton Detroit/Troy Troy, Michigan | 2,125[37] | Captain Lou Albano, David Anez, Chris Cason, Caitlin Glass, Matt Hill, Tony Oliver, Patrick Seitz, Kevin Siembieda, The Spoony Bards, Moy Tung, and Brett Weaver.[37][38] |
| November 1–4, 2007 | Hilton Detroit/Troy Troy, Michigan | 3,119[39] | Johnny Yong Bosch, Emily DeJesus, Robert DeJesus, Eyeshine, Quinton Flynn, Caitlin Glass, Wayne Grayson, Hyper-Strike, Lemon Demon, Jeff Nimoy, Patrick Seitz, Stephanie Sheh, Michael Sinterniklaas, and The Spoony Bards.[39][40] |
| October 30–November 2, 2008 | Hyatt Regency Dearborn Dearborn, Michigan | 4,494[41] | Caitlin Glass, Wayne Grayson, Kyle Hebert, Walter E. Jones, Evelyn Lanto, Trish Ledoux, Lemon Demon, Mark Musashi, My Dear Disco, Paul Schrier, Patrick Seitz, Michael Sinterniklaas, The Spoony Bards, and Toshifumi Yoshida.[41] |
| October 29–November 1, 2009 | Hyatt Regency Dearborn Dearborn, Michigan | 6,200[42] | Curtis Arnott, Laura Bailey, Martin Billany, Cowboy Shogun, Scott Frerichs, Caitlin Glass, Wayne Grayson, Kyle Hebert, Anthony Kresky, Nick Landis, Lemon Demon, Lewis Lovhaug, My Dear Disco, Lawrence Simpson, Michael Sinterniklaas, The Spoony Bards, Brad Swaile, Joe "Angry Joe" Vargas, Doug Walker, and Travis Willingham.[42] |
| October 28–31, 2010 | Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center Detroit, Michigan | Curtis Arnott, Martin Billany, Scott Frerichs, Caitlin Glass, Todd Haberkorn, Anthony Kresky, Nick Landis, Lemon Demon, Vic Mignogna, Christopher Robin Miller, Marin M. Miller, Patrick Seitz, Lawrence Simpson, The Spoony Bards, and Brad Swaile.[43] | |
| November 3–6, 2011 | Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center Detroit, Michigan | 10,375[44] | Sola "BurnYourBra" Adesui, Arc Impulse, Curtis Arnott, Tia Ballard, Martin Billany, Ryan "Inthul" Burke, James Carter Cathcart, Ben Creighton, Scott Frerichs, Yan "Kern" Gagne, Fred Gallagher, Mary "Kite" Garren, Caitlin Glass, Eduardo "PR Balrog" Pérez-Frangie Izquierdo, Josh Keaton, Anthony Kresky, Nick Landis, Reuben Langdon, Lemon Demon, Lewis Lovhaug, Rene "Kor" Maisty, Vic Mignogna, Christopher Robin Miller, Marin M. Miller, Chris Niosi, Rhonda "Tranquil" Patterson, Potter Puppet Pals, Powerglove, Lawrence Simpson, Marc Soskin, Jon St. John, Sonny Strait, Corinne Sudberg, Brad Swaile, Michael "Mookie" Terracciano, and Tom Wayland.[44] |
| November 1–4, 2012 | Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center Cobo Center Detroit, Michigan | 12,156[45] | 91.8 The Fan, Tia Ballard, Martin Billany, James Carter Cathcart, Fred Gallagher, Caitlin Glass, Todd Haberkorn, Cherami Leigh, Lemon Demon, Lewis Lovhaug, Scott McNeil, Potter Puppet Pals, Random Gibberish, Paul Schrier, Michael Sinterniklaas, Jon St. John, Steam Powered Giraffe, Sonny Strait, Brad Swaile, Doug Walker, and Shinichi Watanabe.[45] |
| October 31–November 3, 2013 | Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center Cobo Center[46] Detroit, Michigan | 14,496[47] | 91.8 The Fan, Curtis Arnott, Tia Ballard, Martin Billany, Ben Creighton, D.C. Douglas, David Eddings, Scott Frerichs, Fred Gallagher, Caitlin Glass, Garth Graham, Todd Haberkorn, Kyle Hebert, Adrian Hough, Chuck Huber, Michele Knotz, Nick Landis, Loverin Tamburin, Lewis Lovhaug, Christopher Robin Miller, Sarah Natochenny, Ken Pontac, Random Gibberish, Anthony Sardinha, Jan Scott-Frazier, Lawrence Simpson, Jon St. John, Steam Powered Giraffe, Sonny Strait, Corinne Sudberg, Sarah "Sully" Sullivan, Brad Swaile, Michael "Mookie" Terracciano, and Tom Wayland.[47] |
| October 30–November 2, 2014 | Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center Cobo Center Detroit, Michigan | 16,300[48] | 91.8 The Fan, Curtis Arnott, Tia Ballard, Steve Bennett, Martin Billany, Steve Blum, Kevin Bolk, Johnny Yong Bosch, Ben Creighton, Robbie Daymond, D.C. Douglas, David Eddings, Scott Frerichs, Fred Gallagher, Caitlin Glass, Todd Haberkorn, Michael Hecht, Anthony Kresky, Lauren Landa, Nick Landis, Lewis Lovhaug, Joel McDonald, Jessi Nowack, Tony Oliver, Ken Pontac, Raj Ramayya, Random Gibberish, Tyson Rinehart, Anthony Sardinha, Jan Scott-Frazier, Patrick Seitz, Lawrence Simpson, Meredith Sims, Ian Sinclair, Jon St. John, Steam Powered Giraffe, Ciarán Strange, Corinne Sudberg, Brad Swaile, David Vincent, Howard Wang, Noah Watts, and Tom Wayland.[48] |
| October 29–November 1, 2015 | Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center Cobo Center Detroit, Michigan | 19,200[49] | 91.8 The Fan, Curtis Arnott, Martin Billany, Amber Lee Connors, Robbie Daymond, Lucien Dodge, D.C. Douglas, David Eddings, Carlos Ferro, Scott Frerichs, Todd Haberkorn, Mike Hecht, Adrian Hough, Chuck Huber, Nick Landis, Lewis Lovhaug, Joel McDonald, Erica Mendez, Vic Mignogna, Jessi Nowack, Lisa Ortiz, Ken Pontac, Random Gibberish, Anthony Sardinha, Lawrence Simpson, Ian Sinclair, Jon St. John, Steam Powered Giraffe, Ciarán Strange, Corinne Sudberg, Brad Swaile, Austin Tindle, Cristina Vee,[49] and Crush 40.[12][50] |
| November 3–6, 2016 | Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center Cobo Center Detroit, Michigan | 21,036[51] | 91.8 The Fan, Curtis Arnott, Kevin Bolk, Chris Cason, Ben Creighton, David Eddings, Scott Frerichs, Fred Gallagher, Todd Haberkorn, Kyle Hebert, Nick Landis, Comfort Love, Lewis Lovhaug, Yuri Lowenthal, Joel McDonald, Vic Mignogna, Lisa Ortiz, Tara Platt, Chris Rager, Monica Rial, Ryter Rong, Anthony Sardinha, Ian Sinclair, Michael Sinterniklaas, Jon St. John, Steam Powered Giraffe, Ciarán Strange, J. Michael Tatum, Austin Tindle, Cristina Vee, Lex Winter, and Adam Withers.[51] |
| November 2–5, 2017 | Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center Cobo Center Detroit, Michigan | 22,142[4] | 91.8 The Fan, Steve Bennett, Kevin Bolk, Dameon Clarke, Samuel "Uncle Kage" Conway, Mr. Creepy Pasta, D.C. Douglas, David Eddings, Chad Evett, G. D. Falksen, Fred Gallagher, Todd Haberkorn, Junichi Hayama, Sawa Kato, Kawaii Besu, Evelyn Kriete, Tawny Letts, Erica Lindbeck, Andrew Love, Comfort Love, Lewis Lovhaug, Bryan Massey, Joel McDonald, Mega Ran, Vic Mignogna, Randy Milholland, Cassandra Lee Morris, NateWantsToBattle, Jake Paque, Tyson Rinehart, Ring of Steel, Keith Silverstein, Ian Sinclair, Jon St. John, Ciarán Strange, Eric Stuart, Austin Tindle, Cristina Vee, Billy West, and Mamoru Yokota.[4] |
| November 1–4, 2018 | Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center Cobo Center Detroit, Michigan | 21,000+ (est.).[18] | 91.8 The Fan, Kevin Bolk, Capcom Live!, Ray Chase, Samuel "Uncle Kage" Conway, Robbie Daymond, Richard Epcar, Fred Gallagher, Brad "Duct-Tape" Hale, Junichi Hayama, Samantha Inoue-Harte, Anthony Kresky, Wendee Lee, Cherami Leigh, Comfort Love, Jason Charles Miller, Max Mittelman, Lisa Ortiz, Jake Paque, Ring of Steel, Carrie Savage, Erica Schroeder, Hiroshi Shiibashi, Shigefumi Shingaki, Michael Sinterniklaas, Jon St. John, Ellyn Stern, J. Michael Tatum, Adam Withers, and Mamoru Yokota.[52] |
| October 31–November 3, 2019 | Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center TCF Center Detroit, Michigan | Dameon Clarke, Trae Dorn, D.C. Douglas, Maile Flanagan, Jim Foronda, Fred Gallagher, Brianna Knickerbocker, Comfort Love, Yuri Lowenthal, Mark C. MacKinnon, Mega Ran, Amanda C. Miller, Colleen O'Shaughnessey, Tara Platt, Tyson Rinehart, Ring of Steel, Tara Sands, Scarfing Scarves, Shing02, Micah Solusod, Jon St. John, Ciarán Strange, Substantial, Corinne Sudberg, David Vincent, and Adam Withers.[53] | |
| October 29–November 1, 2020[29] | Online convention[54] | ||
| October 28–31, 2021 | Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center TCF Center Detroit, Michigan | Mori Calliope, SungWon Cho, Blake Anthony Foster, MC Frontalot, Katelyn Gault, Walter E. Jones, Billy Kametz, Takanashi Kiara, MC Lars, Cricket Leigh, Erica Lindbeck, Comfort Love, Kyle McCarley, Joel McDonald, Mega Ran, Michaela Jill Murphy, Tony Oliver, Tyson Rinehart, Zeno Robinson, Schäffer the Darklord, Jonah Scott, Keith Silverstein, Ciarán Strange, Corinne Sudberg, and Adam Withers.[55] | |
| November 3–6, 2022 | Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center Huntington Place Detroit, Michigan | A.J. Beckles, Kara Edwards, Blake Anthony Foster, Katelyn Gault, Walter E. Jones, Anthony Kresky, Comfort Love, Kyle McCarley, Brandon Jay McLaren, Mega Ran, Kayli Mills, Tony Oliver, Chris Patton, Anairis Quiñones, Jonah Scott, Keith Silverstein, Selwyn Jaydon Ward, and Adam Withers.[56] | |
| November 2–5, 2023 | Huntington Place Detroit, Michigan | Griffin Burns, Ian James Corlett, Tracy Lynn Cruz, Khoi Dao, Brian Drummond, Richard Epcar, Caitlin Glass, Barbara Goodson, Chris Hackney, Brendan Hunter, Alessandro Juliani, David Kaye, Josh Keaton, Anthony Kresky, Christopher Khayman Lee, Comfort Love, Mega Ran, Erica Mendez, The Microphone Misfitz, Justin Nimmo, Tony Oliver, Laura Stahl, Ellyn Stern, Ciarán Strange, Kit Strange, KT Strange, Corinne Sudberg, Brad Swaile, Roger Velasco, Selwyn Jaydon Ward, and Adam Withers.[57] | |
| October 31–November 3, 2024 | Huntington Place Detroit, Michigan | Britt Baron, Dawn M. Bennett, John Bentley, ChibiTifa, Allegra Clark, Jason Douglas, Ricco Fajardo, Anthony Kresky, Keith Silverstein, Nienna Surion, Kirk Thornton, Natalie Van Sistine, Briana White, and Suzie Yeung.[58] | |
| October 30–November 2, 2025 | Huntington Place Detroit, Michigan | Autumn's Cosplay, Babybeard, Morgan Berry, Bill Butts, Clifford Chapin, Jessie James Grelle, May Hong, Melanie Jasmine, Christina Marie Kelly, Lex Lang, Alan Lee, David Matranga, Kristen McGuire, Patrick Pedraza, Chris Rager, Casey Renee, Zeno Robinson, Michelle Rojas, and Spirit Bomb.[59] |
See also
[edit]References
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- ^ a b c d Milo, Jeff (October 29, 2014). "5 questions with Morgan Kollin, founder of Youmacon". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on September 27, 2022. Retrieved November 19, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Youmacon returns to downtown Detroit Nov. 2-5". CBS Detroit. October 24, 2023. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
- ^ a b c "Youmacon 2017 Information". AnimeCons.com. Archived from the original on August 7, 2018. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ "Annual Youmacon 2015 Celebrates Japanese Pop Culture in Detroit". DBusiness. August 19, 2015. Archived from the original on September 27, 2022. Retrieved November 11, 2015.
- ^ a b c Pinho, Kirk (October 8, 2014). "Youmacon convention marks 10th anniversary in Detroit". Crain's Detroit Business. Archived from the original on February 18, 2018. Retrieved November 19, 2014.
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- ^ a b c Offman, Alysa (October 29, 2014). "Youmacon is Detroit's colossal Japanese pop culture convention". Detroit Metro Times. Archived from the original on September 27, 2022. Retrieved November 19, 2014.
- ^ Kramer, Cheyanne (November 2, 2015). "Youmacon Takes Over Detroit". The Oakland Post. Archived from the original on September 27, 2022. Retrieved November 11, 2015.
- ^ a b "Major Anime Convention Coming This Weekend". CBS Detroit. October 25, 2010. Archived from the original on September 27, 2022. Retrieved October 23, 2013.
- ^ Kopf, Ryan (October 27, 2012). "Youmacon 2012 Preview". UpcomingCons.com. Archived from the original on October 29, 2012. Retrieved October 23, 2013.
- ^ a b c DeVito, Lee (September 2, 2015). "Geek culture goes on parade at Youmacon". Detroit Metro Times. Archived from the original on September 27, 2022. Retrieved November 11, 2015.
- ^ Sonaras, Steven (October 23, 2015). "Detroit anime convention celebrates Japanese culture". The Detroit News. Archived from the original on October 25, 2015. Retrieved November 12, 2015.
- ^ Smith, Ryan E. (October 30, 2008). "'Power Ranger' says he played a lead role in superhero history". The Blade. Archived from the original on October 30, 2013. Retrieved October 21, 2013.
- ^ a b "Youmacon 2012 Information". UpcomingCons.com. Archived from the original on September 27, 2022. Retrieved October 21, 2013.
- ^ "Youmacon Returns to Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center November 3rd – 6th". Anime News Network. September 30, 2011. Archived from the original on December 8, 2018. Retrieved October 23, 2013.
- ^ Joseph, Gina (November 3, 2017). "Thousands expected for Youmacon celebration of Japanese culture in Detroit". The Oakland Press. Macomb Daily. Archived from the original on February 18, 2018. Retrieved February 18, 2018.
- ^ a b "Sunday, November 3, is your last day to check out Youmacon 2019". WXYZ. November 3, 2019. Archived from the original on February 21, 2020. Retrieved February 21, 2020.
- ^ Gallagher, John (October 13, 2013). "Surging Cobo convention business bodes well for center, Detroit". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on October 30, 2013. Retrieved October 21, 2013.
- ^ Gallagher, John (January 2, 2015). "Cobo Center gets ready to show off". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on September 28, 2022. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
- ^ Cardenas, Edward (October 30, 2014). "Youmacon Anime Convention To Takeover Downtown Detroit (Video)". CBS Detroit. Archived from the original on September 28, 2022. Retrieved November 20, 2014.
- ^ Stamm, Alan (October 25, 2014). "Youmacon Hosts and Fans Criticze Ren Cen Ban on Masks, Mock Weapons". Deadline Detroit. Archived from the original on October 29, 2014. Retrieved November 19, 2014.
- ^ Battagello, Dave (October 31, 2014). "Vancouver-based musicians denied entry into U.S. for Detroit performance". Windsor Star. Archived from the original on March 9, 2016. Retrieved November 19, 2014.
- ^ Sheikh, Ayesha (November 10, 2016). "YoumaCon 2016 Review". The Michigan Journal. Archived from the original on December 25, 2016. Retrieved December 24, 2016.
- ^ Kramer, Cheyanne (November 16, 2016). "Youmacon 2016, Anime convention takes over Detroit". The Oakland Post. Archived from the original on December 25, 2016. Retrieved December 24, 2016.
- ^ Patrick, Ryan (November 2, 2017). "Youmacon 2017: Thousands of fans of Japanese pop culture to descend on downtown Detroit". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on June 13, 2021. Retrieved February 18, 2018.
- ^ Kramer, Cheyanne (November 7, 2017). "Youmacon takes Detroit for 13th year". The Oakland Post. Archived from the original on July 3, 2022. Retrieved February 18, 2018.
- ^ Hazra, Adriana (November 15, 2020). "Detroit's Youmacon Postponed to 2021". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on November 1, 2020. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
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- ^ DeVito, Lee (August 14, 2020). "Youmacon organizers explain why canceling this year's event is not so easy — even with the coronavirus". Detroit Metro Times. Archived from the original on September 28, 2022. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
- ^ Kelts, Roland (September 12, 2020). "COVID-19 pandemic, and local politics, threaten the future of anime conventions". The Japan Times. Archived from the original on November 25, 2020. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
- ^ DeVito, Lee (October 14, 2020). "Detroit anime convention Youmacon officially called off in 2020". Detroit Metro Times. Archived from the original on September 28, 2022. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
- ^ Jordan, Jerilyn (October 27, 2021). "Youmacon returns to Detroit with weekend-long celebration of anime, pop culture, and cosplay". Detroit Metro Times. Archived from the original on September 28, 2022. Retrieved December 12, 2021.
- ^ Sery, Evan (October 31, 2025). "Youmacon celebrates 20th anniversary with thousands of anime fans in downtown Detroit". WXYZ.com. Archived from the original on November 16, 2025. Retrieved November 10, 2025.
- ^ a b "Youmacon 2005 Information". AnimeCons.com. Archived from the original on August 7, 2018. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ a b "Youmacon 2006 Information". AnimeCons.com. Archived from the original on August 7, 2018. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ Lillard, Kevin (January 2007). "Con Report: Youmacon". Newtype USA. 6 (1): 96.
- ^ a b "Youmacon 2007 Information". AnimeCons.com. Archived from the original on August 7, 2018. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ Lillard, Kevin. "Youmacon". Newtype USA. 7 (1) pp. 152–153. January 2008. ISSN 1541-4817.
- ^ a b "Youmacon 2008 Information". AnimeCons.com. Archived from the original on August 7, 2018. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ a b "Youmacon 2009 Information". AnimeCons.com. Archived from the original on August 7, 2018. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ "Youmacon 2010 Information". AnimeCons.com. Archived from the original on August 7, 2018. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ a b "Youmacon 2011 Information". AnimeCons.com. Archived from the original on August 7, 2018. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ a b "Youmacon 2012 Information". AnimeCons.com. Archived from the original on August 7, 2018. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ Burns, Gus (November 4, 2013). "Youmacon 2013: A Japanese anime convention in Detroit with a naked leprechaun". MLive. Archived from the original on November 9, 2013. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
- ^ a b "Youmacon 2013 Information". AnimeCons.com. Archived from the original on August 7, 2018. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ a b "Youmacon 2014 Information". AnimeCons.com. Archived from the original on August 7, 2018. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ a b "Youmacon 2015 Information". AnimeCons.com. Archived from the original on August 7, 2018. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ McGonigal, Mike (October 28, 2015). "Event preview: A look at some of the music on hand at Youmacon". Detroit Metro Times. Archived from the original on July 1, 2023. Retrieved July 1, 2023.
- ^ a b "Youmacon 2016 Information". AnimeCons.com. Archived from the original on August 8, 2018. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ "Youmacon 2018 Information". AnimeCons.com. Archived from the original on July 12, 2018. Retrieved November 20, 2018.
- ^ "Youmacon 2019 Information". AnimeCons.com. Archived from the original on August 10, 2020. Retrieved October 29, 2019.
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- ^ "Youmacon 2022 Information". AnimeCons.com. Archived from the original on October 27, 2022. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
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External links
[edit]Youmacon
View on GrokipediaOverview
Description
Youmacon is an annual four-day convention dedicated to celebrating Japanese animation (anime), manga, video games, cosplay, and broader elements of pop culture, held each November in Detroit, Michigan.[1][12] The event draws enthusiasts from across the region and beyond, fostering a vibrant community atmosphere centered on interactive experiences and creative expression.[4] As Michigan's largest anime and gaming convention, Youmacon ranks among the top 10 largest of its kind in North America, transforming the city into a temporary hub for fans to engage with their passions.[9][13] Its name derives from the Japanese word yōma, meaning "demon" or "ghost," reflecting the convention's thematic ties to supernatural and fantastical elements common in anime and manga.[4][14] The event's creation was inspired by established conventions such as Anime Central and Ohayocon, aiming to bring a similar scale of programming to the Midwest.[9] The convention's structure typically features a mix of educational panels, direct interactions with industry guests, competitive events, and expansive vendor areas showcasing merchandise, artwork, and fan creations.[1][15] This setup not only highlights core pop culture themes but also encourages community building through shared activities that span from casual meetups to high-energy performances. Founded by organizer Morgan Kollin, Youmacon has evolved into a cornerstone event for anime aficionados in the Great Lakes region.[16]Founding
Youmacon was founded in 2005 by Morgan Kollin, a Detroit-area enthusiast with a lifelong passion for Japanese pop culture, including anime and video games.[17][5] Kollin, who grew up in nearby Pontiac, drew inspiration from attending larger Midwest anime conventions such as Anime Central in Chicago and Ohayocon in Columbus, Ohio, where he experienced the vibrant community and cultural immersion.[18] The conceptualization and planning process began around 2001, spanning four years of preparation before the inaugural event, as Kollin sought to bring a similar experience to Michigan's anime and gaming fans.[18] The initial goals of Youmacon were to establish a regional hub for anime, gaming, and Japanese pop culture enthusiasts in Michigan, addressing the lack of accessible, community-driven events in the area and promoting local tourism through shared cultural experiences.[17][18] From its outset, the convention was organized by a small volunteer team under Kollin's leadership as founder and chairman of Youmacon Enterprises/Defying Conventions, emphasizing grassroots involvement and interactive programming.[17] It had close ties to its sister event, the Midwest Media Expo (which ran from 2012 to 2018), sharing organizational resources and thematic overlaps in media and entertainment.[17][19] However, as of 2025, Youmacon Enterprises/Defying Conventions has faced ongoing allegations of financial mismanagement involving Kollin, including claims of improper asset transfers to avoid debts; further details are covered in the recent developments section.[20] The name "Youmacon" is a portmanteau derived from "youma," a Japanese term meaning "demon" or "ghost," evoking elements of Japanese folklore such as yokai to appeal to cosplay enthusiasts and those interested in themed, supernatural narratives within anime and gaming.[9][14] This branding choice reflected the convention's aim to foster an inclusive, all-ages environment celebrating Japanese cultural influences.[9]Event details
Venues and locations
Youmacon's early events from 2005 to 2007 were hosted at the Hilton Detroit/Troy in Troy, Michigan, a mid-sized hotel. The venue featured standard ballroom and conference facilities, allowing for a compact layout that centralized programming in connected indoor spaces. In 2006 and 2007, the convention returned to the same location, leveraging the hotel's 250 guest rooms for attendee accommodations and block bookings.[21][22][23] From 2008 to 2009, Youmacon shifted to the Hyatt Regency Dearborn in Dearborn, Michigan, an expanded facility with over 64,000 square feet of event and meeting space, including multiple ballrooms and function rooms.[24] This move accommodated growing attendance by providing larger exhibit areas and adjacent parking, while maintaining a hotel-based setup for panels and sleeping rooms.[25][26] The venue's design emphasized logistical efficiency, with indoor connections between meeting halls and guest accommodations. Beginning in 2010 and continuing through 2022, Youmacon utilized the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center combined with the adjacent Cobo Center (renamed TCF Center in 2018 and Huntington Place in 2022) in downtown Detroit, creating a hybrid venue spanning an iconic 73-story skyscraper hotel and a major convention hall.[27] The Marriott offered 100,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including the 18,000-square-foot Renaissance Ballroom for up to 1,800 guests, alongside 1,298 rooms for block bookings.[28] The Cobo Center provided expansive exhibit halls totaling 723,000 square feet, enabling separation of exhibits, panels, and entertainment across connected buildings via skybridges and the Detroit People Mover.[29] This setup reflected the convention's growth, with the 2010–2015 Cobo renovation introducing a three-story glass atrium, expanded concourses, and improved food service areas that optimized event flow and attendee navigation.[30] The shift to Detroit proper in 2010 enhanced urban immersion through proximity to waterfront views and city landmarks. Since 2023, Youmacon has been held exclusively at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit, a 2.4-million-square-foot facility with 723,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space across five halls and over 100 meeting rooms accommodating up to 21,738 in theater-style setups.[31] Key features include the 40,000-square-foot Grand Riverview Ballroom and 225,000 square feet of breakout spaces, supporting large-scale exhibits and panels in a single, modern complex.[32] Logistical adaptations involve utilizing adjacent hotels for overflow block bookings, such as the Marriott, to handle attendee housing without on-site lodging limitations.[33] The downtown Detroit location enhances accessibility, with direct connections to the free Detroit People Mover loop for station-to-station travel and SMART FAST bus routes providing high-frequency service along major corridors like Woodward Avenue.[34] Partnerships with local hotels facilitate discounted block bookings, while venue features like wheelchair availability and priority access lines support diverse attendees.[35] Public transit options, including proximity to the Amtrak station four miles away, further ease access from regional hubs.[33]Dates and attendance
Youmacon is traditionally held annually in late October to early November, spanning four days from Thursday to Sunday, with pre-con activities often beginning on Wednesday and optional post-con extensions.[36][37] The 2025 edition, marking the convention's 20th anniversary, occurred from October 30 to November 2 at Huntington Place in Detroit, Michigan.[1][37] Attendance has shown steady growth since the event's inception. The inaugural 2005 convention drew 1,078 paid attendees over three days at the Hilton Detroit/Troy.[21] By 2017, participation peaked at 22,142, reflecting the event's expanding scale.[38] The 2020 edition transitioned to a virtual format amid the COVID-19 pandemic, though specific attendance data remains unavailable.[39] Recent years indicate recovery and stabilization, with over 20,000 unique visitors annually as of 2024.[40] Ticketing includes pre-registration for full-weekend passes ($75 online in advance), single-day options ($30–$60 at the door), and premium packages like Platinum ($250, limited availability), alongside child rates and add-ons such as the Maid Cafe or Charity Ball.[36]| Year | Attendance | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 1,078 | Inaugural, 3 days | AnimeCons.com |
| 2017 | 22,142 | Peak year | AnimeCons.com |
| 2020 | Not specified | Virtual event | Metro Times |
| 2023–2024 | 20,000+ | Annual recovery (as of 2024) | Youmacon.com |
